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Alfred • Allentown • Alma • Andover • Angelica • Belfast • Belmont • Bolivar • Caneadea • Ceres • Cuba • FilLmore • Friendship • Genesee Houghton • little genesee • portville • richburg • Rushford • Scio • shinglehouse • Ulysses • Wellsville • west clarksville • Whitesville
Farming legacy revived at Bellhurst Farm in Cuba The pair met while undergrads at Cornell University. “We shared different passions, but we both loved agriculture,” Aaron said. “After college, we moved to the area to a farm that my great-great-grandfather had purchased and one that my grandparents had worked.” That was in 2013. Thirteen years later, the Santangelos have restored the family farm and the family dream, building on a foundation built by their respective families in agriculture.
BY JOHN BARTIMOLE
CUBA — Aaron and Carly Santangelo are living proof that hundreds of miles and different passions are no match for fate. The owners of Bellhurst Farm in Cuba, the couple have crafted a surging business featuring dairy goats, transforming a once-dormant fifth-generation family farm into one that now boasts a lineup of products made with pasteurized goat milk cheese. Carly’s involvement with dairy goats began at age 7 in Connecticut, with her first registered dairy goats that she
purchased from a family friend and mentor. She showed her goats successfully at local, state and national levels as a member of the American Dairy Goat Association. While Aaron was a 4H participant, his involvement was more with market hogs and dairy cows than with goats.
Photo provided Aaron and Carly Santangelo own and operate Bellhurst Farm in Cuba.
Bellhurst Farm continued on PAGE 4
Allegany County Firemen’s Auxiliary honored two for longtime service has served as sergeant of arms, second vice president, first vice president and president from July 2024 through July 2025. Capute was also instrumental in organizing the 2025 Allegany County Volunteer Firemen’s Annual Convention. At the banquet, George Fillgrove represented state Sens. George Borrello of the 57th Senate District and Tom O’Mara of the 58th Senate District, while Lee James represented Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski. Along with a plaque from the Allegany County Firemen’s Aux-
BY KATHRYN ROSS
Photo provided Andover Fire Chief Joseph Capute (second from left) and his wife Carol (second from right) were honored Oct. 3 for their service to the Allegany County Firemen’s Auxiliary, the Allegany County Firemen’s Association and the Andover Volunteer Fire Department. with proclamations from local Senators and Assemblyman delivered by George Fillgrove (left) delivered proclamations from state Sens. George Borrello and Tom O’Mara while Lee James dedlivered a proclamation from Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski.
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ANDOVER — Joseph Capute has served his community for 30 years on the Andover Volunteer Fire Department — filling roles from firefighter to captain to chief. During the annual Allegany County Firemen’s Auxiliary banquet held on Oct. 3, Chief Capute was honored for his long service to the department. He has been chief, second assistant chief, captain and first and second lieutenant during his decades of service. For the Allegany County Firemen’s Advisory Board, he
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October 9, 2026
allegany county Community Source
Wellsville’s high school play pits Girl Scouts against high finance BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — The high school stage will come alive with Girl Scouts this Friday and Saturday when students stage the comedy “Empowered: How One Girl Scout Nearly Destroyed the World’s Economy.” This award-winning play is by Don Zolidis, a former middle school teacher, whose 140 published plays have been staged around the world. The play premiered on Dec. 5, 2014. Wellsville High School play director Matt Warren said he chose the rollicking comedy, “Because this play fit the talents and numbers of cast we had available to be in it. It also challenged the cast to play young girls and to do comedy. The comedic timing is a challenge, but they have
risen to that challenge. This wonderfully talented group of performers has met my expectations for portraying some wacky and wild characters.” Most of the cast have performed in previous shows, with seven of the cast being freshmen. Over the last two years, veterans Tori Clemons and Madi Schultz have each won awards from the Theatre Association of New York State. The 27 students in the cast have been rehearsing the show since Aug. 17. The main characters are four Girl Scouts — Mackenzie (played by senior Madi Schultz), Cheyenne (junior Grace Guerin), Kennedy (junior Piper Metro) and Amaryllis (senior Tori Clemons). The plot thickens when the regional
more Charlie Peavey) is a dynamic salesperson. She asks Ellen to teach her how to be a salesperson and a winner. Soon Amaryllis is increasing her sales by faking a terminal illness, franchising her methods and contracting with a payday lender to offer 30-year loans for the purchase of cookies. Critics have recognized that the play pays hysterical homage to the acclaimed play and film “Glengarry Glen Ross” and is a send-up of the wild excesses of the world of high finance. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10, in the high school auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door — $10 for general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens.
Photo provided Rehearsing for Wellsville High School’s production of “Empowered: How One Girl Scout Nearly Destroyed the World’s Economy” are (from left) Piper Metro, Madi Schultz and Grace Guerin.
director of the Girl Scout program, Vinny (played by sophomore Matthew Stonemetz) challenges the troop to a cookie-selling contest. The girl who sells
the most boxes of Girl Scout cookies will win a unicorn named Sparkles (played by junior Ryan Sanford). The competition brings out the best and
the worst in the girls. When her sales begin to flounder, Amaryllis goes to her best friend Beenie (played by senior Mavis Mills) whose mom, Ellen (played by sopho-
3 rehabbed bald eagles released in Allegany County BELFAST — Three bald eagles — two juveniles from the same nest and one adult — were rehabilitated after injuries and released back into the wild Sept. 13 near Belfast along the Genesee River. About 50 people watched as the eagles
were released one by one, the state Department of Environmental Conservation reported on Thursday. On release day, all three eagles flew high into the sky over Allegany County without incident. DEC said the adult eagle was discovered injured in Centerville on June 11. The two juvenile eagles were reportedly injured after their nest came down in the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Wayne County. The juvenile birds were admitted to the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital at Cornell University on June 19. All three eagles were then transported to Messinger Woods Wildlife Care and Education Center in Holland, Erie County, where they received treatment from wildlife rehabilitator Marianne Hites and her team. New York State Environmental Conservation Officers Russell Calanni and Donald Damrath assisted with the release of three eagles, as they had a part in the rescues this past June, the DEC reported.
Photo provided by New York DEC A mature bald eagle, rehabilitated after injury, is released in Belfast on Sept. 13.
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October 9, 2026
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38th Allegany Artisans Studio Tour coming up Oct. 16-18 What does an artist’s studio really look like? Where does a lump of clay become a bowl, a sheet of handmade paper take shape, or a piece of metal become jewelry? Once a year, the doors open for a glimpse into the artist’s world when the Allegany Artisans hold their annual Artisans Studio Tour. This 38th Annual Studio Tour is scheduled for Oct. 16-18, and 34 artists are inviting visitors to step inside their world. Throughout the county 27 working studios will be open to visitors. The Studio Tour takes visitors directly into the places where rt is made. Visitors can meet the artists, see works in progress, ask questions, and discover the tools, materials, and techniques and purchase original works of art. Along the tour, visitors might see glassblowing, knife forging, clay spinning on a potter’s wheel, metal being crafted into jewelry, sublimation printing underway, Raku pottery being fired, rugs being braided or woven, paintings in progress, and even visit with alpacas. Every studio is different, tucked into small towns and along country roads throughout Allegany County, in historic buildings, home studios, workshops, and in spaces created specifically for
artists and crafts people, including such wellknown local artisans as Karen Tufty, Rich Saupe and Stephen Walker, joined together as the “Allegany Artisans” taking their name from the Allegany Plateau of the Appalachian Mountain range. They recruited other artists. They decided to open their studios to the public for a weekend. Their reasoning was, their local friends and neighbors didn’t get to see their work because the artisans left their studios on weekends to travel to shows and exhibitions across the country. At the time the idea of opening artist studios for tours was just beginning to take root, but Allegany County where
Photo provided Rebecca Wind Nightingale throws a piece at her potter’s wheel at her studio in Alfred Station in preparation for the 2025 Allegany Artisans Tour in Allegany County. The 38th edition of the event is set for Oct. 16-18.
making art. Along the way, visitors might find themselves in a conversation about metallurgy, discovering Doodle Doorbells, exploring an old house being lovingly remodeled, or spot an unusually large wasp nest hanging in the corner of a studio while discovering some of the unexpected stories and curiosities that make each studio unique. Each studio location
will offer visitors a chance to enter drawings for gift certificates redeemable with participating Allegany Artisans. A Preview Evening with select studios will be held Friday, October 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. See the free guide to see which ones. All 27 studio locations will be open, Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On the weekend follow the white and red sandwich signs, open the doors, and take a peek inside where the art is made. For maps, participating artists, studio locations, and Preview Evening information, visit alleganyartisans.com or follow Allegany Artisans on Facebook or pick up a free guide at local businesses and libraries. In 1988, a group of
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CUBA — Due to the federal holiday, the Cuba Circulating Library Board of Trustees has moved its meeting to Monday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m. The meeting will take place in the community room at the Cuba Circulating Library, 39 E. Main St. and is open to the public.
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they lived was far from the burgeoning crowd. So, the local artisans developed their own tour, The Allegany Artisans Studio Tour. Successful from its beginning, it has grown into an annual event and includes artisans of diverse styles, tastes and traditions and draws crowds from across Western New York and beyond. After nearly four decades the event has changed little. The variety of artworks has expanded with many additional artists joining their ranks, but the likes of Tufty, Saupe and Walker along with many of the original founders still open their studios to fans and aficionados one weekend each fall in Allegany County.
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allegany county Community Source
October 9, 2026
➡Bellhurst Farm continued from PAGE 1 “We’re both really happy that our parents involved us in the 4H and farming activities and allowed us to participate in these kinds of things,” Aaron said. “I tell people we run a fifth-generation farm, once-removed.” Aaron said those who may have tried goat cheese products in the past would find a difference in their selections. “One of the great features about our products is their freshness
and their quality,” he said. “Some who tried goat cheese products in the past may have been turned off if they bought it in a store. Our products are very mild in flavor and don’t have as much of an off-putting taste as others may have on the market. “Our products come from our animals, their milk, and our processing plant, and are very fresh,” he added. “We put our work, our quality in every product.” And those products
include chèvre, a soft spreadable cheese available in plain, maple, everything, garlic and herb flavors; and feta, handmade in small batches with a salty and tangy taste. While the Santangelos don’t sell directly from their farm, Bellhurst products are available at Canticle Farm in Allegany, Scoops & Crumbs in Cuba), Nature’s Remedy in Ellicottville, Miller’s Farm Market in Olean, Carlberg Farm Products
in Jamestown, Erba Verde Farms in East Aurora, and Spring Bottom Farm in Fillmore. “For us, this is a passion project,” Aaron said. “It really is 24-7, where our lives revolve around the weather and the cooperation of our animals. It’s great to be involved in something that everyday is different, and it gives us the ability to bring our family up in the world of taking care of animals. “Our passion is to see our product go from bailing hay in the summertime to putting it on someone’s plate as the finished product,”
he said. “We work hard to keep our goats well taken care of. Good milk comes from happy goats … and good milk goes a long way to making good cheese.” The Santangelos’ involvement in the 2026 Laine Business Accelerator program comes from a desire to learn and to connect. “That (connecting) is the biggest thing,” Aaron said. “What’s nice is that these people are from the commiunity, and you can learn from them. Our community is so unique. We get to interact with people who know their business,
are passionate about improving their community and are willing to share their knowledge and insights.” While he said the time commitment to the LBA is heavy, “It’s definitely going to be worth it. It’s exciting to look forward to that weekly commitment and the meetings and taking what you learned in those three or four hours and bring it to your business.” A business that has spanned generations thanks to a couple that followed fate — and, utlimately, their destiny.
➡Firemen’s Auxiliary continued from PAGE 1 men’s Convention here in Andover.” Carol Capute, his wife, recalled the humorous events that have taken place over her husband’s 30 years of service as a firefighter. The event was attended by more than two dozen people in the Andover Fire Hall. Tina Dailey, auxiliary co-president, said it was one of the best attended banquets in the last few years. In addition, the event was also attended by Samuel Dailey and Kaelyn and Makayla Capute (Joeseph and Carol’s daughters). Allegany Firemen’s Auxiliary officers present at the event were President Therressa Watson, Vice President Sharon Johnson, Secretary Sylvia Hartman, Assistant Treasurer Lila Currry, Chaplin Sam Dailey, Assistant Chaplain and Assistant Historian Mary Ennis and Historian Carol Capute. As part of the recog-
Photo provided Sharon Johnson (left) received a 40-year pin for service to the Allegany County Firemen’s Auxiliary. At right is Auxiliary President Tina Dailey.
nition ceremony, Sharon Johnson received a 40-year pin for her years of service to the auxiliary while Carol Capute, who served as a firefighter before joining the auxiliary, received a 10-year pin for her years of service to the auxiliary. Before the dinner and ceremony ended, Joseph Capute called
for a moment of silence to honor Whitesville firefighter John Kuhn, who passed away unexpectantly on Oct. 2. He was a 41-year member of the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department.’ “We want to take a moment to remember our friend and neighbor, John,” Capute said.
automotive
Limit your adventures in an heirloom Chevy BY RAY MAGLIOZZI
Dear Car Talk: Hi there! I have a doozy for you, Ray! Your opinion will determine how my husband and I proceed. We shook on it.
My husband inherited his grandfather’s 1951 Chevy truck. He shares the same name as his grandfather, Frederick. Their name is even painted on the doors of the truck, original paint and all. Needless to say,
we are ecstatic to have the opportunity to own this heirloom. Here’s the question: I say we replace the engine for practicality and drivability. He is more old-fashioned and wants to keep the original engine. He doesn’t have a lot of time to spend tinkering and isn’t mechanical. At all. So, Ray: Keep the original engine or change it out so we can enjoy this sweet ride on the road instead of in the garage? Help a wife out, Ray!
— Heather
Gee, I hate to do this to you, Heather, but I’m siding with Frederick. The main reason is that having the old engine in there will limit how much you can drive this old deathtrap. This is a vehicle that really shouldn’t be on the road much. If you’ve driven it, you know it’s got no power steering and the handling is
terrible. There are no power brakes, and it’s a chore to stop. There are no seat belts, no airbags, no side-impact beams. It’s got a rock-hard, Bakelite steering wheel, and a nice, sharp metal dashboard — so if you do somehow survive a crash, you’ll have the Chevy logo permanently embossed on your forehead. If it’s running, Heather, I’d leave well enough alone for now. If the engine completely conks out at some point
... if the compression disappears or it starts burning oil faster than you can replace it, then you can look for a mechanic — look for one with no teeth — who remembers how to rebuild this engine for you. It’s actually not a hard engine to rebuild. And, at that point, it would make sense. Presumably, you want to keep this truck running so you can pass it down to the next Frederick. And ruin his marriage, too.
But I’d really limit drives in this truck to the nearby ice cream parlor on summer Sunday afternoons and local parades, where the speed limit is about 4 mph. And I’d get someone to put some seatbelts in it for you, just to bump up your odds a couple of ticks. It’s something you and Frederick should look at with pride and wonderful memories. But its proper place these days is mostly in the driveway.
allegany county Community Source
October 9, 2026
5
Kindergarten Readiness program offered Allegany County
Photo provided Children participating in the first series of Ready, Set, Read! practice pre-writing skills and letter recognition
WELLSVILLE — The First Step Family Resource Center, a program of Ardent Solutions, welcomes children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers to a free and fun Kindergarten Readiness program. The four-week program allows parents and children from across Allegany County to participate in engaging classroom activities that build early literacy skills and provide practical ideas for learning at home. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo provided funding to Ardent Solutions to start Early Literacy Labs, offered every Tuesday from 9 to 10:30
a.m. in a monthly series designed to support young learners and their families. The next session takes place Oct. 6 through Oct. 27. Enrollment is limited to 10 children per series, allowing for more individualized attention, meaningful engagement and personalized support for each participating family. “Each week offers purposeful, developmentally aligned labs to strengthen early childhood development and prepare children for kindergarten,” Hannah Bennett, First Step Family Resource Center specialist, said. Each monthly lab
features new activities and learning experiences, allowing families to participate in a single session or return month after month. The program combines handson, evidence-based early learning activities with active caregiver engagement, extending the impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and helping to build strong foundations for future academic success. Registration is required for each monthly series, and space is limited. Families interested in the October session can register online through the October Early Literacy Lab registration.
The First Step Family Resource Center offers a variety of free programs and services designed to support children and families. Opportunities include Open Play, arts and crafts activities, a Community Resource Room, community computer stations, and educational programs for children and adults. Visit the First Step Family Resource Center at 83 N. Main St. and stay connected with upcoming programs, activities and special events. Follow the center on Facebook for the latest updates and monthly event schedules, facebook.com/ AlleganyCountyFirstStepFRC.
Allegany County Office of the Aging hosts senior forum BY KATHRYN ROSS
SCIO — The Allegany County Office for the Aging recently held its annual Older Adult Wellness Day and Public Hearing, with officials hearing concerns from residents about a number of issues. Throughout its 5 1/2-hour duration, the event was well-attended and included a visit from Brooke Harris, chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators. He joined the participants for lunch and spoke to their concerns. The first question came from a woman who asked why there is not safer and more affordable housing for seniors? Harris replied that the county has recently compiled a housing study. “The need for more senior housing has been recognized,” he said. “We need to provide more ways for people to stay in their homes and make this an age-friendly county and provide better access to services.” He also explained that he is looking for ways to improve the county’s property tax, foreclosure and tax auction procedure. “I’m looking for ways of changing and improving it and helping seniors stay in their homes.”
Photo by Kathryn Ross Brooke Harris (left), chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators, and Anita Mattison, director of the county’s Office of the Aging, listen to concerns from seniors at recent forum.
He said the current online tax auction encourages speculators from across the country and “That is not good for the county or its people.” Concerning the need for long-distance transportation, both Harris and OFA Director Anita Mattison said they are working on the problem. “Currently, providers have to travel from outside the county, and they are not paid for the distances they have to drive to get to and from the county, so they don’t want to come here,” Madison explained. “It is something we are trying to work on.” When someone asked about providing technical assistance to seniors in their homes,
Mattison said that the OFA is conducting interviews. “We have provided programs on technology before, but now we’re going to hire someone who can help seniors in their homes,” she said. The forum featured several programs. The most well-attended was Protecting Yourself From Scams and Identity Theft presented by Kimberly Maercklein from the New York State Division of Consumer Protection. “Our focus is to outsmart the scammers,” she said to open her session. In 2025 alone, she said, scammers stole more than $3 billion alone through impostor scams, which involve someone posing as a
friend, relation, business owner, charity organization, or a romantic suitor. She advised seniors to register their phones on the Do Not Call Registry and only accept calls from numbers they recognize. She also urged seniors to protect their personal information and to not accept investment plans over the phone unless they initiated the call. “Don’t be influenced by fear, urgency, secrecy or crisis tactics,” she said. She advised creating a family code that only family members know to indicate an emergency. She told seniors to only use gel pens when writing checks, because gel ink cannot be
scrubbed. She advised freezing credit reports while she also told seniors to “tap” debit or credit cards rather than inserting them in a machine. Following Maercklein’s presentation, attendees went to lunch which was followed by demonstrations of chair yoga and tai chi, which were presented by Linda Botens and Crystal Malota. The Allegany County Office for the Aging was established by the legislature in 1975. Today it serves approximately 10,000 residents. Its yearly budget is more than $3.43 million, of which the county’s share is $1.1 million. The rest comes from the
state, contributions and the federal government, which pays $407,093. A total of $246,160 was raised in donations last year. Over the past year, 4,299 people were served through eight different programs, including the Meals on Wheels delivery and and eight congregant lunch sites. It served 107, 284 meals, asking for only nominal donations. In addition to Mattison there are 53 full-time and part-time employees and mored than 200 volunteers serving the office. The office is located at Crossroads, 6085 Route 19 in Belmont and may be contacted by calling (585) 268-9390.
health & Wellness
The link between sitting and type 2 diabetes The International Diabetes Federation notes that one in nine individuals between the ages of 20 and 79 across the globe are living with diabetes. That equates to roughly 589 million adults, a figure the IDF expects to rise to 853 million adults by 2050. Risk factors for diabetes are sometimes linked to variables individuals cannot control. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that type 1 diabetes is thought to be a byproduct of an autoimmune reaction. The CDC adds that individuals with a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes are at greater risk for the disease than individuals with no such family history. But various risk factors for type 2 diabe-
tes, which the Cleveland Clinic notes accounts for more than 90 percent of diabetes cases, often are within individuals’ control. Sitting for extended periods of time, not only at work but also during free time, has been linked to type 2 diabetes. A 2015 meta-analysis published in the journal Medicine and Sport Science suggested a large duration of sedentary behavior
is associated with a 112 percent greater risk for type 2 diabetes. So why does sitting affect type 2 diabetes risk? One reason concerns the effects of long periods of sitting on metabolism. In a 2019 interview with Health Matters, endocrinologist Dr. Rekha B. Kumar noted that prolonged sitting required muscles to work less. Active muscles, Dr. Kumar
noted, boost metabolism and lead to better blood sugar management. When a body sits for long periods of time, metabolism is adversely affected and the risk for type 2 diabetes increases. Another way sitting has been linked to type 2 diabetes concerns the effects of sitting on insulin. According to the diaTribe Foundation, which aims to inform about diabetes and advocate for diabetes patients, sitting affects the way muscles respond to insulin, the hormone that reduces the amount of sugar in the blood. When people sit for long periods of time, they may not have the bandwidth to contract their muscles, and that can make it harder to regulate blood
sugar. As that happens, people may develop a resistance to insulin that increases their risk for type 2 diabetes. Surveys from the CDC have indicated that people self-report sitting somewhere between 6.5 to eight hours per day, while other studies
suggest heavy screen users may be spending as much as 11 hours per day sitting. That’s a potentially dangerous and costly development, but one that people can confront head on by making a concerted effort to spend less time sitting each day.
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allegany county Community Source
October 9, 2026
Jones Memorial officials discuss new medical office in Cuba employ a medical doctor, an advanced practice provider and six medical support staff. JMH officials said the practice expects to see up to 40 patients/day and will initially focus on family medicine and obstetrics. The facility will be placed on 1.93 acres purchased from the fire department on Center Street, allowing for additional expansion of the medical center in the future. The new office expects to begin seeing patients starting June 30. “This is about access to primary care for our community,” Helms said. “Access to primary care is critical to the overall wellbeing of our patients, family and neighbors. Primary care must be available where people live.” Carrie Walker, vice president of professional services, discussed the details of the space, noting that the facility will have the look and
Photo provided by Jones Memorial Hospital The earliest phase of construction on Jones Memorial Hospital’s new medical office in Cuba is scheduled to begin in October.
feel of the new medical suites at the hospital in Wellsville. The new facility will ensure ADA and fire-safety compliance and will serve as a certified rural health clinic and primary care medical home. Walker emphasized that the new space will draw on the patient experience and quality concerns of other primary care facilities, ensuring that patient privacy is of the “utmost importance.” There will be a private check-out area, private check-in and exam rooms on the periphery of the building, allowing for greater privacy. Helms and Walker explained that Jones is working with Cuba Memorial Hospital as a partner and is not
replacing any services. Cuba Memorial, which is a Kaleida Health affilate, and Jones, which is part of UR Medicine, are both part of the EPIC electronic medical record system and all records will transfer between the two facilities, for better patient care and experience. Cuba Memorial has a 24-hour Urgent Care Center that provides walk-in treatment for minor injuries, cuts, infections and non-life-threatening illnesses, while it also provides acute inpatient care, long-term care and skilled nursing, palliative care, rehabilitation services, radiology and ultrasound, lab services and nutritional support, education and counseling.
It was noted during the town hall that patients in the Cuba area can get their labs and imaging done at a location that is convenient to them — patients visiting the new Jones Primary Care will not be required to travel to Wellsville for lab work. Community members asked additional questions regarding the emergency department at Jones Memorial and how capacity was being addressed. It was noted that Jones has added a second CT scanner and is the only hospital in the region to offer two CT scanners, improving workflow and capacity within the ED. There are additional plans in the works to expand the emergency department
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within the next two years. Helms also addressed concerns about the region needing more medical specialists. He said that JMH works with affiliate partners to bring specialists that are most in need to the region to reduce driving times for patients. He said Jones “is committed to continuously reviewing needs for additional specialties as we continue to grow and our patients’ needs change and evolve.” Also in attendance was Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, R-Canisteo, who expressed his support, stating that Cuba Primary Care is a very positive advancement for the community that addresses the shortage of healthcare in the Southern Tier.
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CUBA — Jones Memorial Hospital hosted a town hall the evening of Sept. 29 at The Palmer Opera House to present plans for the new medical office building that will be coming to Cuba in 2027 and answer questions from the community. Jim Helms, CEO of JMH, thanked community members as well as two key individuals for their help in bringing the project to life — Wayne Butts of the Cuba Volunteer Fire Department and Town Supervisor Lee James — while Helms also welcomed Bill Robinson, new CEO of Cuba Memorial Hospital, who was noted as a key partner for Jones in the endeavor. With ground to be broken on the project in October, the primary care office will be located on Center Street. The 4,400-square-foot facility will have six exam rooms and one treatment room and will
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home improvement 5 common mistakes homeowners make refinishing hardwood floors (BPT) — Hardwood floors have an enduring appeal few other flooring materials can match. Beautiful, durable and unique, each floor brings the warmth and character of natural wood into a home, creating a surface that evolves and lasts for generations. In fact, a 2026 Bona survey found that 87% of homeowners rank flooring among the home features they’re most willing to invest in.
Over time, even well-maintained hardwood floors can begin to show signs of everyday wear. Scratches, fading, worn areas or a dull finish that regular cleaning can’t address may signal that it’s time to consider refinishing. More than a cosmetic refresh, refinishing restores the floor’s appearance and protective finish, while bringing new life to the natural beauty of the wood and helping it
stand up to years of use. “By refinishing floors, you’re preserving their durability and restoring their beauty, which is an investment in the long-term value of this vital part of your home,” said Bona’s “Floor Doctor,” Zack Clavin. “You can even use Bona waterborne finishes to adjust the color and sheen of the floor while helping them wear better.”
Where to start when thinking of refinishing your hardwood floors Ready to bring your worn hardwood floors back to life, but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Bona found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of homeowners experience at least moderate anxiety about floor refinishing projects.
With autumn being an ideal time to refresh hardwood floors, Clavin shares five common refinishing mistakes homeowners make - and how to avoid them. Refinishing helps preserve the durability of your hardwood floors while restoring their natural beauty, protecting an investment that can add value to your home for years to come.
1. Thinking refinishing is a DIY job You can find countless TikTok and YouTube videos on how to refinish your floors, but this is one home improvement project where going the DIY route can quickly become a costly mistake. Improper continued on PAGE 8
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home improvement sanding, uneven stain application or rushing drying times can lead to disappointing results that take even more time and money to correct. For your floor refinishing project, work with a trained flooring professional who understands the precision and craftsmanship it requires, as well as how the right products and techniques work together to get the job done right the first time, saving homeowners added stress, time and expense.
2. Hiring a contractor at random Deciding to hire a professional is just the first step. Finding the right one matters just as much. Not every contractor brings the same level of skill and expertise to a refinishing project, so Clavin recommends looking beyond a quick online search for a flooring professional with proven experience, proper training and a track record you can trust. Bona Certified Craftsmen, for example, are hand-selected, highly skilled professionals trained in the latest refinishing techniques, giving homeowners confidence that their floors are in experienced hands from start to finish. Find a Bona Certified Craftsman near you to ensure your floor will be properly and beautifully refinished.
3. Selecting the wrong products The products used to refinish your hardwood floors can make all the difference in how they look, perform and hold up over time. Rather than selecting a stain, sealer or finish in
isolation, Clavin recommends using a complete system designed to work together throughout the refinishing process. “It’s a common misconception that waterborne finishes aren’t as durable as oil-based finishes,” said Clavin. “However, Taber tests prove Bona waterborne finishes withstand wear and tear better than oil-modified finishes.” Bona has pioneered durable, sustainable waterborne floor finish technology, with the complete Bona Waterborne System bringing together stains, sealers and finishes designed to work together to restore, beautify and protect hardwood floors. The system delivers durable performance even in high-traffic environments while preserving the natural beauty and color of the wood without ambering over time. “Beyond durability, homeowners don’t have to choose between performance and a more comfortable refinishing experience,” added Clavin. “Bona waterborne finishes are low-odor, low-VOC and GREENGUARD certified, meaning there’s less disruption to your home during the process.” From refinishing through ongoing maintenance, the Bona Waterborne System provides a complete approach to bringing worn hardwood back to life and helping protect that investment for years to come.
4. Choosing the cheapest materials Selecting the least expensive refinishing option may save money upfront, but it can
come at the expense of durability, and lead to refinishing again sooner than expected. Homeowners recognize that tradeoff: Bona found that 60% prioritize balancing cost and durability when making home improvement decisions, while 55% are willing to spend more upfront for long-term quality. Investing in high-quality products can help that investment go further. Bona’s waterborne finishes can provide durable protection for well over a decade with proper care, helping extend the time between refinishing projects. “A waterborne finish may cost more upfront, but is better for your home and the environment,” Clavin said. “The investment you put into refinishing your hardwood floors today will pay off in the long run.”
5. Forgetting about drying and cure times A refinishing project doesn’t end when the final coat goes down. Dry and cure times determine when you can safely walk on your floors, move furniture back and return to everyday life. On top of that, temperature, humidity and the type of finish can all impact timing, which is one reason fall’s typically the best season to refinish floors. The products you choose can also make a significant difference. Oil-modified and acid-cured finishes can take two to three times longer to dry and cure than waterborne options. Bona Traffic HD, for example, dries within two to three hours before floors can be walked on in socks and fully cures in just three days, helping
homeowners get back to enjoying their space sooner. Understanding these timelines upfront can help you plan around furniture, family, pets and guests while giving the floor time to properly cure.
Frequently Asked Questions: • How durable are waterborne finishes? High-quality waterborne floor finishes often last well over 10 years, depending on use and maintenance. Bona waterborne finishes are so durable that they’ve been chosen for use on some of the top sport floors in the world. • Can I change my floor’s color when refinishing? Yes! Refinishing lets you update your home with a stain color and
sheen level reflecting your design style. For example, Bona Chroma comes in 9 base shades which can be custom mixed to create your desired hue. • Do I need to leave the house while hardwood floors are refinished? If your contractor uses a waterborne finish, you can stay in your home during the process. • What’s the best time of year for floor refinishing? Humidity levels are often lower in the fall, making it easier for the finish to dry and cure. This timing also gives you a beautifully refreshed home ahead of holiday hosting. Learn more about hardwood floor refinishing and care at Bona. com.
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